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from the publisher
header

Serendepitous
My

newest crush…CBS Golf analyst and the real entertainment at Tavistock Cup this
year is David Feherty. I fell years ago
and now am reborn with passion for
the candid, political, wit and patriotism of this incredible professional. I
dream of playin’ a round and discussing the land of opportunity with
him. I mean, come on, he’s sarcastic,
Irish, flirty and fun—how can you not
crush on him?
Feherty has been the center of
many controversial comments, but
he speaks his mind, confidently. He’s
a jester known for making wacky
comments on serious issues—such
as “If God wanted people to believe
in him, why’d he invent logic”? He believes what he believes and knows what
he knows while always trying to add a little life and laugh to it all.
You know that question: ‘if you were to host a dinner party; who would
you invite as your top three guests’? David Feherty would be one of my picks.
Since we are hitting our 12 YEAR MARK this April, I thought it would only
make sense to share my top 12 tips of the golf publication biz.
1. When you have trendy man or lady on the cover, don’t just spell their
name wrong…change their first name completely. It gets a bigger response.
Remember the ‘Dennis Leadbetter’ issue?
2. Don’t take this SHITE too seriously. Have fun. Be fun. Surround yourself
with fun.
3. Try to limit the number of photos of yourself notably holding a glass of
wine at award banquets, tournaments and pairing parties over the 12 year
period.
4. When invited for a complimentary round—try this one: always leave a nice
tip. My all time favorite: don’t fry bacon in the nude, it’s painful.
5. Publishing can be stressful and often requires a sleeping aid, never take a
sleeping pill and laxative in the same night.
6. Make sure you have friends and associates attending memorial tournaments that will wrestle you to the ground and take a microphone away from
you if you’ve had too much to drink and are asked to say a few words. (Lynn
Pelham’s event 2003)
7. When given the opportunity to pose with notorious golfers, make sure you
always have a mint on hand…for them!!
8. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh.
9. Always, Always, ALWAYS support the sponsors & advertisers—support
those who support you.
10. Do anything to support the troops, past, present and future, wounded
warriors (page 16), military families. I promise this will help you sleep at
night, literally!
11. If someone invites you to do an article on their celebrity status, whether
it is NFL, NBA, NHL, etc., check and make sure that they’re not being indicted
for fraud and if they’re single bring an escort.
12. Use the media wisely to aid and foster publicity for all charities and take
care of those that take care of the less fortunate.
Appropriately, I’d like to end with this little note on why we all are still so
attached to magazines despite the thriving digital media based electronics.
Media continues to proliferate. Attention spans continue to shrink. And free
content is available everywhere, from Internet to the insides of elevators.
Why then are 93% of American adults still so attached to magazines? Why do
so many people, young and old, spend so much time with the medium that’s
paper and ink, a medium you actually have to pay for in order to read?
In a word, engagement. Reading a magazine remains a uniquely intimate
and immersive experience. Not only is magazine readership up, readers
spend an average of 43 minutes per issue.
Further, those 43 minutes of attention are typically undivided. Among
all media—digital or analog—magazine readers are least likely to engage in
another activity while reading. [Advertisers, take note.] Stickiness. Another
demonstration of the power of magazines.

Join us for a cup of coffee ...
Is itatime
to opinion.
invest
and
second

with caution or seek out
new opportunities?

During volatile and confusing markets, we understand that even the most
patient investors may come to question the wisdom of the investment plan
they’ve been following. We’d like to help – and we can start by offering a
cup of coffee and a second opinion.
By appointment, you’re welcome to come in and talk with us about your
investment portfolio. If we think your investments continue to be wellsuited to your long-term goals — in spite of the current market turmoil —
we’ll gladly tell you so, and send you on your way. If, on the other hand, we
think some of your investments no longer fit with your goals, we’ll explain
Read our free midyear report to find
why, in plain English. And, if you like, we’ll recommend some alternatives.
out more about our forecast for the
Either way, the coffee is on us. For a free consultation, please contact us
rest let
of the
year. if you prefer milk or cream.
and
us know

PGA Tour Star Rickie Fowler and Wingman Reggie Bush Energize Augusta,GA
August, GA - Prior to his first official practice round
at historic Augusta National, 2010 PGA TOUR
Rookie of the Year Rickie Fowler and Super Bowl
Champion Reggie Bush met up to drive a few balls
and talk about the similarities of preparing for two of
the world’s grandest events – The Masters and the
Super Bowl. Bush also personally drove Fowler to his
first practice round in an MXT vehicle and watched
him take his first cuts at Augusta National.
As part of the driving range fun on their first day
together, Bush got his first-ever golf lesson - courtesy
of Fowler. The NFL star is keeping all of his career
opportunities open and is trying his hand at golf.

Wonderful® Pistachios Announces Title
Sponsorship of AJGA
BRASELTON, Ga. ,— Wonderful® Pistachios will
extend the theme of its catchy “‘Get Crackin’”
advertising campaign to the American Junior Golf
Association’s Get Crackin’” Pace of Play program
in 2011. The campaign launched Feb. 18-21 at
events near Orlando (ANNIKA Invitational) and
Houston (HP Boys Championship at Carlton
Woods).
As title sponsor of the program and the

2nd Swing Golf & The First Tee Partner
to Create a Club Donation Program
St. Augustine, Fla.– 2nd Swing Golf, a company
specializing in buying, selling and trading equipment, has become a supplier of golf equipment

LPGA Signs 3 Years Agreement With
CME Group
Daytona Beach, FL - The LPGA announced that
CME Group, the world’s leading diverse derivati-

8

“Seeing Rickie swing a club is a beautiful sight,”
said Reggie Bush. “I appreciate the time he spent
with me as he prepares to play the most important
tournament of his life.”
“I’m glad Reggie has time to come out and see a
bit of my world,” said Rickie Fowler. This is definitely a milestone week for me – playing the Masters
for the first time and joining the Red Bull family.”
Rickie Fowler joins a roster of Red Bull
champions that includes World Series heroes Tim
Lincecum and Jimmy Rollins, Super Bowl champion Reggie Bush and Olympic gold medalists Shaun
White and Lindsey Vonn.
For more information on Rickie Fowler, please
connect with him at www.facebook.com/RickieFowlerGolf and www.twitter.com/RickieFowlerPGA.

Official Health Partner of the AJGA, Wonderful®
Pistachios will be available to AJGA golfers at
all tournament scoring tents. Additionally, two
commercials from the Wonderful® Pistachio advertising campaign will air on the Big Ten Network
during the Big Ten Match Play Championship,
in addition to branded signage on-site at AJGA
events.
“Wonderful® Pistachios is proud to sponsor,
and serve as the Official Health Partner of the
AJGA,” said Dominic Engels, vice president, global
marketing, Paramount Farms, producer of Won-

derful® Pistachios. “We believe in supporting
young athletes who are passionate about their
game. Golfers know the importance of a healthy
and active lifestyle, and all-natural California pistachios – which offer a satisfying combination of
protein, fiber and carbohydrates – are the perfect
complement to any sports program.”
For more information about Wonderful Pistachios or the Get Crackin’ campaign, visit www.
wonderfulpistachios.com, www.getcrackin.com,
www.facebook.com/wonderfulpistachios and
www.twitter.com/getcrackin.

trade-in services to The First Tee, a youth development organization whose mission is to positively
impact young people by providing character
education programs through the game of golf.
Through the agreement, customers can send
pre-swung clubs to 2nd Swing Golf and choose
to donate the trade-in value of the clubs to a de-

signated chapter of The First Tee or The First Tee
home office. Chapters can also trade in donated
equipment and receive a portion of the value to
support their programs.
For more information about 2nd Swing Golf, visit
www.2ndswing.com. For more information about
The First Tee, visit www.thefirsttee.org.

Golf Classic, tournament officials announced
today. The two-day event will take place at TPC
Sawgrass, May 6-7 to raise much-needed funds
for at-risk children throughout the world.
The partnership between THE PLAYERS
Foundation and the Tim Tebow Foundation was
a natural fit with both organizations sharing the
goal of bringing a brighter day to children around
the world. The net proceeds from The Tim Tebow
Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic will directly
benefit the Tim Tebow Foundation and The First
Tee. The event will take place just days before the
best professional golfers in the world return to the
First Coast for the 2011 edition of THE PLAYERS,

May 9-15, at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC
Sawgrass.
There are still many ways for individuals and
companies to get involved in the tournament
through event sponsorships, table sponsorships,
foursomes and volunteer opportunities. For a
complete list of the celebrities scheduled to
participate or to learn more about how you can
support the Tim Tebow Foundation, visit www.
timtebowfoundation.org
Tickets to the celebrity golf tournament are
available to the public for $12.50 (for youth and
adults) and can be purchased online at www.
PGATOUR.com/theplayers.

ves marketplace and risk management company
of futures and options, has signed a three-year
agreement to be the title sponsor for the last tournament at the Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando.

The Inaugural CME Group Titleholders will serve
as the Tour’s season finale and will be comprised
of a field made up of three qualifiers from every
official LPGA tournament in 2011.

here golf continues to be king
at most country clubs here in
Florida, state of the art Fitness
Centers are proving to make the difference when it comes to membership
sales and retention. More and more
clubhouse renovations are adding or
expanding space for fitness centers and
their related programs as health and
wellness are amongst the top reasons
new members are choosing one club
over another with similar profiles.
And this trend is expected to
continue. According to the American Council on Exercise, consumers
are ready to focus on improving their
overall health. An increase is expected in personal training as well as
value-added wellness services such as
nutritional counseling by registered
dieticians, youth-based fitness curriculums and a continued trend toward
buddy or small group work outs such
as boot camps, Zumba, TRX Suspension
and interval training. This information
is mirrored by the American College of
Sports Medicine, also citing boot camp
workouts, strength training and core
exercises as top trends in 2011.
Successful fitness programs at
country clubs need to incorporate this
programming for varying demographics, which can certainly be a challenge
as it must fit the needs of all – seniors
through youth – what seems to be
10

on the rise and bringing people back
is the fun factor. There are two new
fun fitness programs hitting centers
nationwide, the first is Hula Hooping.
Although it may look like it’s all fun
and games, a new study has found that
hula hooping can provide a serious
workout.
ACE reports that a 30-minute hooping session burns an average of 210
calories. The calorie expenditure is
similar to that provided by boot campstyle workouts, step aerobics and
cardio kickboxing. It further found that
participants also achieved an average
heart rate of 151 beats per minute—84
percent of the age-predicted heart rate

maximum. Although the hoops used
in these classes resemble the brightly
colored toys first launched by Wham-O
in the late 1950s, today’s fitness hoops
have a larger diameter and are weighted, which allows users to hoop longer
and burn more calories.
Curious about the second trend??
Pole Dancing!! It combines vertical gymnastics and dance offering
a cardiovascular workout as well as
immense toning and flexibility benefits.
A novice will burn approximately 250
calories per hour, the same amount as
walking a treadmill but a heck of a lot
more fun while a more advanced session burns upwards of 420. In addition
to the benefits of cardio, major upper
body and core strength, are those of
self-esteem, confidence and the social
factor. Truly a complete health and
wellness package combining camaraderie of women while getting a fantastic work out!!
No wonder Sawgrass Country Club’s
Fitness Director Tim Majure and Fitness
Aquatics & Recreation Manager Chris
Hill won the coveted “People’s Choice
Award” at the 2011 Club Managers Association of America World Conference
Idea Fair in Orlando with their “Ladies
Night Out” fitness programming, highlighting Pole Dancing and its health
and wellness benefits!
Chris Hill and Tim Majure

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

golf bachelor
header

Matt
Vahala

Where were you born? Did you grow up there?

I was born in West Palm Beach Florida, but I was raised
in Elkhart Indiana.

Is “acting your age” over rated?

I’d say that depends on your age

What do you do for a living?

I’m a Traveling Sales Rep for Ultimate Golf Seating

What would you like to do for a living?

I’d like to be a pro golfer or rock star. Maybe later I’d be
president for a term or two.

What’s your take on “cuddling”?

Not the most exciting thing, but I suppose it has its place.

What’s the most effective way you’ve discovered to check
out a hot woman without her, or anyone else noticing?
Sunglasses are invaluable

Steak, chicken, or seafood?

I like it all, steak is my favorite.

What do you find to be the most annoying habit people
demonstrate on the golf course?

People not fixing their ball marks. It only takes a second,
and it keeps the greens nicer and more enjoyable for
everyone.

Given the choice; would you select love, success, or
money to keep yourself happy?

I think love is the most important, but I also think it’s
important to strive for all three.

Name three movie stars you would like to go on a date
with (one at a time preferably).
Alexis Dziena, Jenna Fischer, and Tina Fey, she cracks
me up

Boxers or Briefs?

Boxer-briefs and I usually sleep in boxers.

Relaxed evening at home, or nightclub and cocktails?

I like both in a good balance to be honest. If I stay in too
much I get bored, if I’m going out too much I’ll just want
to stay in for the night?

12

Have you ever witnessed sex on the links?

“I saw 2 fat bikers having sex in the woods, how am I
supposed to chip with that going on?”–Shooter McGavin

Favorite comedian?

Lately I’ve been watching a lot of the Ricky Gervais show,
I like most comedy I see.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Brittny Silke
Where did you grow up? Scarborough, Maine
What is your favorite sport to play? Favorite to watch?

My favorite sport to play is lacrosse. I currently am playing
for the University of Central Florida Knights. My favorite to
watch would definitely be hockey. I love the constant action
and aggressiveness of the players. My favorite team is the
Boston Bruins! Go B’s!

Do you enjoy playing golf? Are they’re any golfers in your
family? I do enjoy playing golf although I’m not very good
at it. Nine out of ten times I miss the ball, haha. Everyone
in my family plays golf, I usually tag along to drive the
cart, clearly my specialty.

If you weren’t a cart girl, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t a cart girl I would love to be hiking the
Appalachian Trail. I’ve hiked a lot of the northern part but
would love to finish all the way through Georgia.

What hobbies do you enjoy? I am an avid skier. I started
when I was 3 years old and this is the first year that I
haven’t been or seen snow!

What is your idea of “the perfect date”? For me, the

perfect date would be anything relaxing with just me and
a guy, or any sporting event. I love sports so it’s something
that we could enjoy together. I’m extremely independent so
when I get taken care of it sweeps me off my feet. I guess
you could say I’m a hopeless romantic. Oh, and chocolate
and roses are good too.

Favorite type of movie? My favorite movie for sure is

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory, the original. I
love the playfulness of it. A close second is the Pirates of
the Caribbean series. Love Johnny Depp. Favorite type of
movie I can’t really specify. I like anything that can hold
my attention. As long as it’s not a half animation, half real
film. Those drive me crazy.

Favorite charity to support? When I was a cheerleader in

high school we did a lot of volunteering and fundraising for
the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, Maine.
The kids there are adorable! Everyone should help support
them.

If you could travel anywhere where would it be and why?
I would definitely travel to Australia. I’ve always wanted
to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and see a lemon shark.
I’ve also wanted to go to Dubai and ski indoors, then go
ride a camel!

Defending Freedom Warrior Weekend
Dr. John M. Hill MD and son John Jr.
say enough’s enough, throw the clubs
away, and move on to heavy artillery.

community supporters. Last year’s
tournament was the largest yet with
all proceeds going directly to programs helping our wounded soldiers
from Iraq and Afghanistan. WWP
provides programs and services to
severely injured service members during the time between active duty and
transition to civilian life. This year
the tournament will host 45 Wounded

T

he Defending Freedom Warrior

Warriors and pair each soldier with

Weekend will kick off its 5th an-

a foursome to introduce the injured

nual golf tournament to benefit the

men and women to golf as a reha-

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)

bilitative lifestyle. It is not too late to

Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Pelican Bay

sign up to participate. Come out and

“It’s in the hole!” Wounded Warrior
Jonathan Pruden making his putt.

join in the camaraderie, food, fun activities between holes, great prizes and

North Course in Daytona
Beach. In previous years
event sponsor Complete
Parachute Solutions, led

Book a
tournament/group
of 40 or
more players
& receive 24
complimentary
rounds of golf

Courses Managed By:

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By Mike Coonan

special events
header

Photos by Mike Coonan

Tavistock 2011....
Walk 18 In Their Golf Shoes

T

avistock 2011...The smile is back
in golf. The annual Tavistock Golf
Tournament is what professional
golf and competitive sports should be
all about. It was fun. It was exciting, intense, colorful and enjoyable for everyone. In the two-day competition held
on March 14th and 15th at Isleworth in
Orlando, Florida, four teams consisting of twenty-four of the world’s best
golfers competed against each other for
a purse of $2 million and bundles of
money for charity. They displayed their
skills to the delight of their invited
family, friends and neighbors in a goodnatured, neighborhood grudge match
that has become known as “The Event.”
David Feherty from the Golf Channel set the tone as he announced the
pairings on the first tee. He had the
fans and the players roaring with his
hilarious insights, off-color comments
and politically incorrect observations
of the players, while each golfer was
preparing to tee off. On the second day,
Feherty’s Irish stream of consciousness
was teamed up with the dry humor of
Gary McCord from the Golf Channel.
They double-teamed the golfers to the
delight of the fans and the players. No
David Feherty

18

Joe Lewis, Principal Investor of the Tavistock Group and Gary McCord
one and nothing was safe from their
comments.
Even Tiger Woods and Ernie Els could
barely contain themselves while preparing to tee off. It was a rare moment
in the highest level of competitive
sports when two of the best players
in the world could hardly compose
themselves as they prepared to tee off
against a backdrop of non-stop, good
natured ribbing. Feherty and McCord
set the tone. Tavistock set the stage.
It was heartwarming to watch and
be a part of this event. It was a rare
treat to see the players relax and let
their guards down while on the course.
Tiger Woods could not contain his
smile and laughter. It was good to see
both because they have been so rare in
the last year. Ernie Els’ grin was bigger than life. His kindness, grace and
charm were never more evident as he
prepared to tee off while trying to tune
out the wisecracks.
The “up-close and personal” nature
of the Tavistock event set the tone for
fans and players alike. While the atmosphere in the crowd and on the course
was softly comfortable, Isleworth’s
beautiful course was unforgiving and
challenging. However, the players had
as much fun as the fans. This is in
stark contrast to the golfers’ experiences week in and week out, on tour. Golf
is the only sport in which the player
must excel in order to be paid. There
are no real guarantees in golf.
Professional golfers sink or swim, live

and in-color in our living rooms, four
days a week as their every move is televised around the world. Professional
golf was TV’s first reality show. Touring
golfers are literally blanketed from sunrise to sunset by a host of media and
countless cameras. The media analyze
their swings, their clubs, their shoes,
their fashion, their haircuts, their style
or lack thereof, their personal lives, and
their psyche. There is no subject about
a professional golfer that is off limits,
apparently.
Think about it. Look at Tiger Woods.
For the last year there was no other
golfer or golf swing on earth that
was inspected, dissected, bisected or
otherwise critiqued by the best and the
worst in golf sports media. The news
stories about Tiger’s ACL reconstruction
surgery on his left knee are reported in
such fine detail that medical textbooks
are being written based upon segments
aired on the Golf Channel. (Just kidding!) We had better hope that Tiger
does not develop any prostate problems, because some sports channels
would need to get a “Mature Viewer”
rating for airing these segments!
Imagine if you are in contention on a
late Sunday afternoon in a major PGA
event. You are coming down 17th and
18th holes within a stroke of success
or failure. The future of your family
rests on your shoulders. You then have
a mind altering experience. You are
required to hear the broadcaster’s commentary about your game, your caddy
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

pundits would play 18 holes
of golf. Their every step, every
swing and every putt would
be humorously and critically
reviewed and analyzed in
agonizingly slow motion with
enhanced digital animation,
especially when they are not
able to find their ball. This
event would be taped for TV.
The tournament would be
played to benefit Florida Golf
Central’s charity, Left Behind
in the USA. The proceeds
would be used to help the
350,000 children and adults

Ernie Els
and your personal life as you prepare
for your next shot. Imagine reading or
watching on TV a vivid description of
your dismal future prospects because
your shot got away and you came in
second place.
Too often the press can be unkind.
Here is the lead about Tavistock from
a Golfweek story by Brian Lavner: “On
a sun-drenched afternoon behind the
gates at Isleworth, 24 of the world’s
best (golfers) played a meaningless,
made-for-TV exhibition in front of a
couple thousand residents, sponsors
and invitees. For Tiger Woods, golf’s
great curiosity, it was yet another
round under the microscope.”
Au contraire, Mr. Lavner. Tavistock
has raised more than $6 million dollars for charity....hardly a meaningless sum. Hmmm. moving forward to
November, at the end of a long touring
season, the players deserve a break.
We think it is only fair that professional
golfers have a shot at the media who
have made their lives so interesting over
the previous 11 months. It is time to give
the analysts, commentators, broadcasters, writers, swing doctors and the like
a taste of their own medicine. We have
an idea which could make the holidays
much more special for professional golfers. This is how we would do it:
Florida Golf Central Magazine proposes, “A Very Special Golf Tournament”.
This would be held in mid- November
2011, on the Monday following the last
PGA tournament which happens to be
the Children’s Miracle Network Classic
in Orlando. In this event, broadcasters,
commentators, analysts, swing doctors,
golf coaches, print media and other the
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Tiger Woods
with a developmental disability lingering
on waiting lists for support services all
across the country.
While the pundits play a round of
golf they would be followed by cameras,
touring pros, fans and family. This event
would be a made-for-TV special, presented by the Golf Channel to be broadcast it in eight one-hour segments over
the Christmas holidays. PGA players
would be in the booth and on the course
working as broadcasters, commentators
swing doctors, analyst and pundits.
To make the event more interesting
each media foursome would also include
a golf coach/ swing doctor, celebrity/politicians and an upcoming junior golfer.
For example our ideal first foursome
would be Johnny Miller (Mr. Understate-

ment), President Barack Obama, (The
First Golfer) Hank Haney (The Project
Coach) and up and coming 15 year old
junior golfer, JJ Qualkenbush (Left Behind
in the USA Junior Spokesman).
The other parings might feature media personalities including: Nick Faldo,
David Feherty, Jeff Rude, Jim Nance, Peter
Kostis, Brandel Chamblee, Frank Nobilo,
Kelly Tilghman, Mike Tirico, Jamie Diaz,
Gary McCord, etc.
Celebrities/politicians might include,
Donald Trump, Rush Limbaugh, Michael
Jordan and Lauren Roberts, etc. The
junior golfers (boys and girls) will be the
best young golfers under 16 years of age
to round out the foursomes.
It would be great theater. We
envision a six hour, movable
roast staring PGA players such
as Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods,
Paula Creamer, Arnold Palmer,
Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Natalie
Gulbis, Fred Couples, Davis Love,
Ian Poulter, Greg Norman to
name a few.
All we need is for the Golf
Channel to buy into this concept,
and the pros and personalities
mentioned above to jump on
board. When they do that the
touring pros will have their shining moment and the people with
autism, mental retardation/intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy
who have been on waiting lists
for years all over the country will
also have a much more Merry
Christmas. It is fitting that the A
Very Special Golf Tournament will
be played at Disney World...Where
Dreams Can Come True.
Riley Stevens is one
of 370,000 on the
waiting list with no
hope for help in the
foreseeable future

19

By David Daubert

improving performance
header

The World’s First
Self-Correcting Golf Ball
We

participated in Golfweek’s Golfests the first three
months of 2011. In January, at Champions Gate near
Orlando, a company by the name of Polara Golf was
selling these new golf balls that they claimed would correct
hooks and slices up to 75%. This claim really intrigued me
but I didn’t get a chance to hit any there, so when Golfest
moved to Tampa Bay Downs in February, Jamie McWilliams (a 5
handicap) from Video Stream Productions and I made it a point
to visit Polara Golf on the driving range and see for ourselves
whether or not these golf balls really do what they claim. All
the big golf club and golf ball manufacturers have advertised
at some point that their drivers or balls will correct mis-hits, or
help you hit the ball straighter, but I haven’t really seen much
of a difference when I’ve tested these products in the past.
In Tampa I met with Dave Felker, PhD, the Head of
Technology for Polara Golf and former V.P. of Research and
Development for the Callaway Golf Ball Co., who helped me
understand the Self-Correcting Technology of the dimple
pattern he developed and exactly how the Polara golf corrects
hooks and slices up to 75%. The asymmetrical dimple pattern
and the different size and depth of the dimples are the
key to how the Polara golf ball self-corrects, while in flight,
and maintains a straighter path. “It’s just simple physics,”

20

states Dr. Felker, who utilized the Wind Tunnel at Princeton
University to test the Polara as well as other manufacturers’
golf balls. In independent robot testing performed by Golf
Laboratories in San Diego, CA and supervised by Richard
Levine, Professor of Math and Statistics at San Diego State
University, the Polara golf ball went head to head against the
#1 ball in golf and another well known high performance ball
and the dispersion rate of the Polara ball was demonstrably
less each and every time.
Jamie and I hit some regular range balls first to get warmed
up and see what our normal ball flight was that day. Then it
was time to try the Polara Ultimate Straight golf ball. Since I
am such a duffer, I watched as Jamie tried to draw and fade
drives with the Polara ball, which is normally pretty easy for
him to do. Amazingly, the Polara ball kept going straight. No
matter how hard Jamie tried, he couldn’t draw or fade the
Polara ball when the alignment arrow was on top and pointed
towards his target. Jamie even said “this is a great ball for
people who want to hit it straight.” Now, for the true test, it’s
time to see if the Polara ball will correct MY slice. Aim left,
and hope my slice brings it back to the fairway, is my usual
swing thought. After a few shots that stayed left, because
I was aimed that way, thinking I needed to compensate for

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Impressive views aren’t
limited to our beach.

my normal slice, I decided to line up for a straight shot, and
sure enough, the Polara golf ball corrected my slice, almost
completely, and the ball flew relatively straight. I couldn’t believe
it…it actually works! I finally found a product that actually does
what the manufacturer claims it will do! After hitting a few
more drives, with some of the different clubs they had on hand,
I noticed that using a higher lofted driver gave me a better ball
flight and the most distance. Dr. Felker explained that a higher
loft driver works best with the Polara golf ball because of its low
lift and reduced drag characteristics. You also want to make sure
that you have the alignment arrow on the ball pointed towards
the target. For me, with this new Polara ball, that will be the
fairway!
What does this mean to recreational golfers like me? Well, it
means we can enjoy the game more, and it will speed up play
because we won’t be searching for lost balls in the water or
the woods or the next fairway over. I guess I can leave my ball
retriever at home. We can finally learn to play golf from the short
grass, because that’s where our drives will land from now on.
What a concept- playing from the fairway - the correct fairway!
I think the Polara Self-Correcting golf ball is going to change the
game of golf for the recreational golfer…that’s how effective this
technology is.
There are two types of Polara self correcting balls available;
the 2-piece Ultimate Straight and the 3-piece Ultimate Straight
XS for extra spin available at www.polaragolf.com or call 866556-3100. The Polara golf balls are also now available at Steve’s
World of Golf stores throughout Florida, in golf courses like Erroll
Estates in Apokpa, Scotland Yards in Dade City, Buckhorn Springs
in Valrico and the Steve’s store in Hudson. Save Your Game - Buy
Polara. What can you lose— certainly not your balls.

Two Nights. Unlimited Play.

415

Breakfast for 2
* •• Daily
Daily Cart and Greens Fees

$

from

per night

• Confirmed Tee Times
• Range Balls and Bag Storage

You’ll love the beauty and challenge of our newly
renovated, championship layout. Named “Southwest
Florida’s Best Public Course,” it matches the rest of our
award-winning beachfront resort, where you’ll find new
rooms and suites, two new pools, a world-class spa,
superb restaurants and 7 miles of white-sand beach.
With so much to do, you may want to stay an extra day.

uring the past two years, golf
management company Hampton
Golf has experienced significant
growth in both the number of courses
it manages and the number of
employees added to the company’s
roster. Since 2008, Hampton Golf
has doubled the number of golf
courses it manages from nine to 18.

Holdings, LLC, has on-site team
members at each facility it manages
while tee time bookings, phone
answering, data and credit collection,
outreach programs and customer
service are handled through one call
center location in Jacksonville. Use of
the customized center has resulted in
significant cost savings and increased

The company has also increased
its number of employees from 500
to more than 1,200, 40 of which are
PGA professionals. Hampton Golf is
now one of the top 20 management
companies in the world. Executives
with the company credit Hampton
Golf’s inimitable service offerings,
creativity and management style for its
success.
“The development of our unique
centralized customer service center
in Jacksonville has revolutionized
the golfing industry and has greatly
contributed to our ability to provide
the best management services for our
clients,” said M.G. Orender, president
and CEO of Hampton Golf. “Our
growth over the last several years has

membership for a number of Hampton
Golf’s clients.
Hampton Golf manages more than
15 lifestyle clubhouse facilities, spas
and residential communities, along
with nearly 20 18-hole championship
golf courses throughout the Southeast,
including Florida, Georgia and the
Carolinas. The company operates a
Hampton Golf Academy at several
client locations, which has a PGAcertified professional on staff and offer
facilities for putting, chipping and
driving, as well as practice bunkers.
For more information about
Hampton Golf and its golf course clubs,
visit www.hamptongolfclubs.com,
www.whyhamptongolf.com or call
(904) 564-9129.

M. G. Orender is president and CEO of Hampton
Golf, which has more than doubled operations and
number of employees during the last two years.

been noteworthy, and we foresee it
continuing as clients need assistance
in generating non-traditional revenue,
minimizing expenses, increasing play
and ramping up membership.”
Hampton Golf, which was cofounded in 1998 by Orender and
Ed Burr, president of GreenPointe

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 12, Issue 1

23

cuisine on theheader
green

Pliable Pinots Pack Powerful Punch

W

hen I was originally asked to

about his wines. I chose the whole

write a feature about a recent

package … Spanish and Californian,

event held at my club, I knew

anything to make my colleague stop

exactly what I was going to write about.

talking! What I didn’t expect was to

My team and I had just had the amaz-

become completely captivated with

ing opportunity and distinct pleasure

the story of the wines, in particular

to work beside former White House

the complexity of their Pinot Noirs.

Executive Chef Walter Scheib. The

Carlos introduced me to six different

culinary team was blessed with three

vineyards, all within the California

days of side by side menu design, meal

central coastline and each producing a

preparation and a host of “insider” sto-

distinctly unique profile.

ries about the “First Families” from 1994

Now, back to the bulls … the Miura

through 2005. The service team pulled

bull, hailing from Carlos’ home prov-

off a flawless synchronized service

ince of Seville, made their first fight-

performance for a seven course meal,

ing debut in Madrid in 1849 … enter

after months of early morning “dress

Miura’s Master Sommelier Emmanuel

rehearsals”, that if part of an Olym-

Kemiji, born in the United States but

pic competition would have certainly

raised in his mother’s native Madrid …

yielded all “10s”. The event was such a

coincidence?? Maybe but I think these

success with the membership that we

men were destined to develop this

sold out the venue … twice! We even

label together, but what do I know, I’m

made the local paper “A Taste of the

just the “Dining Gal” J Emmanuel is

White House on the First Coast”, yet

impressive in his own rite … being the

that event, although in my “Top 10” is

13th American to earn the Master Som-

not the one I would like to share with

melier designation and only the 7th to

you today.

pass on the first attempt certainly earns

Instead, we’re going to talk about a
wine dinner. Not just any wine dinner

Grilled Octpus

him unquestionable credibility but it is
his style and elegance that keeps you

local Premier Beverage representative or Premier’s State of Florida
Business Manager Scott Pyles at
Scott_Pyles@Premier-Bev.com.
25

By Jay Golden, PGA

leader on theheader
links

A True Hispanic Leader
R

udy Martinez-Rodriguez comes from
Hispanic golf royalty as he the nephew
of World Golf Hall of Fame member,
“Chi Chi” Rodriguez. Rudy is a “Leader On
The Links” because he is followed by many
golfers from the Hispanic community.
Additionally, he looks forward to introducing the great game of golf to many more
Hispanics.
Among his credentials are:
President and founder of the Puerto Rico
Golf Federation
President of the Puerto Rico Federation of
Professional Golfers
President and founder of the Puerto Rico
Golf Teachers Federation
President and founder of the Dominican
Republic Golf Teachers Federation
Master Teaching Golf Professional
President of the Hispanic America
Federation of Golf
Creator of the Holistic Teaching Method for
Better Golf
There are many reasons why Rudy
Martinez-Rodriguez is a leader. Among
them are the core values that his program teaches to children. They are:
1] Courtesy 2] Honesty 3] Sportsmanship
4] Responsibility 5] Integrity 6] Respect
7] Judgment 8] Perseverance 9] Confidence
Where does Rudy teach? “The Hispanic population has two outstanding
facilities to play and to learn golf in
Spanish or English. They are located at
Remington and Kissimmee Bay,” says
Rudy. Additionally, there are junior
summer golf programs at these two golf
courses. I would please like it known
that the owners of these facilities, the
Stine family, are my dear friends since
1981. The Stine family cares about the
Hispanic community and has a profound
interest in the future development of our
children. There will be a bilingual adult
and junior golf programs held at Remington Golf Course this summer.”
Rudy also has a program for children at
risk and children with a grade average of
2.00 or less. “We teach our students about
the Declaration of Independence, The
US Constitution and America’s Christian
heritage. We teach why they should love
the United States of America.”
Here’s another interesting fact that
should motivate Puerto Rican golfers. As

26

the art of teaching golf. I will be presenting certification courses to become a golf
instructor to the Hispanic population.
Perhaps you could help develop the next
“Chi-Chi” Rodriguez or Angel Cabrera.”

Rudy explains, “I am proud to announce
that as President and founder of the
Puerto Rico Golf Federation, I will be responsible to name the Puerto Rican Team
for the 2016 Olympic Games. My uncle,
Chi-Chi Rodriguez, has been selected as
the Captain. All Puerto Rican golfers living
in the US are eligible to participate in the
National Ranking System.”
Are there any Hispanic teachers out
there? Rudy explains, “I would like to
mention that we are looking for teachers
if you are of Hispanic origin and desire
to dedicate part time – or full time - to

THE MARTINEZ RODRIGUEZ METHOD OF
GOLF IS A WAY OF LIFE
“For many years I played golf and enjoyed
the game because it is so similar to the
game of life. With its many obstacles,
struggles, victories, conflicts, and blessings, if you are not modest about your
abilities when you start playing the game,
it won’t take long for you to assume a role
of humility.”
“What are some other comparisons
between golf and life? In golf there is the
issue of the proper stance. The stance
dictates everything. In life, too, you
and I will always assume some kind of
stance. A stand for what we believe, for
how we’ll live our life and for what kind
of legacy we’ll want to leave behind.
Do you have a ‘correct’ stance?
“As a Master Teaching Golf Professional,
I am aware of different kinds of grips.
In life it is no different. We will all grip
something and we will be gripped by
something or someone. The question
that I ask students is, “Do you have a
correct grip on your life?”
“One thing I stress is to keep
your eye on the ball. That’s the cardinal rule in every sport. I know how
important religion and family are to
the Hispanic population and we must
give it our undivided attention. It was
through this belief that the Declaration
of Independence was founded.”
“Nothing matters in the game
of golf and to the growing Central
Florida Hispanic population, if we do
not follow the rules. To become a true
American citizen, one must learn about
American history and to follow the rules
of the American culture. As in the sport
of golf, any violation of the rules brings a
penalty. Through education we will learn
the American way of life. “
“I am grateful for the courtesy Florida
Golf Central Magazine has offered me to
communicate to the Hispanic golfing community.”
Email; golfpro@rudyholisticgolf.com
Web-site www.rudyholisticgolf.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

leader on theheader
limks

Doc Suttie celebrates a decade at TwinEagles

Doc Suttie: Dr. Jim Suttie and The Suttie Golf
Academy are celebrating their 10th winter
season at TwinEagles Club in Naples.

T

he Suttie Golf Academy is celebrating
its 10th winter season at TwinEagles
Club in Naples. World-renowned
instructor Dr. Jim Suttie hosts the
interactive, technologically advanced
school, showing golfers how to shave
strokes off their games.
Suttie’s decades of motor-learning
and biomechanical research – he holds
a doctorate in biomechanics – helped
him develop some of golf’s most
revolutionary teaching methods and
made him one of the most sought after
teachers in America. His student roster
includes PGA and Champions Tour stars
Loren Roberts, Paul Azinger, Chip Beck,
Mark Wilson and Derek Lamely.

Amateur golfers and casual players
ready to take their games to the next
level benefit from the same personal
instruction, high-tech equipment and
teaching expertise.
“Our goal is to help each golfer
develop the best swing possible while
having fun,” said Suttie. “Each gets
the same advice and guidance we
give the pros, without intimidation or
embarrassment.”
The academy is housed at the
southern end of the practice facility
at the TwinEagles Club to give Suttie’s

28

students privacy. Students can hit from
time Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year
inside the enclosed hitting bay, which
and was the 2000 PGA of America’s
has a retractable wall, onto the driving
National Teacher of the Year. In 2009,
range.
Golf Magazine named Suttie one of
“TwinEagles has been a great venue
16 Emeritus Members of the Top 100
for the academy,” said Suttie. “The club
Teachers, making him a permanent
is supportive, Naples appreciates great
member of the prestigious list.
golf, and we’ve built a strong network
“We are so proud to have a teacher
during our decade here.”
of Doc’s caliber at TwinEagles,” said the
Suttie’s state-of-the-art instructional
community’s General Manager Dick
building houses his signature Golf
McPhail. “Southwest Floridians are
Training Session technology that
fortunate to have access to him. For a
matches swing to body type to improve
couple of hundred dollars, they can take
the games of golfers at all levels. Each
advantage of the experience and skills
student’s swing is monitored on the
of a teacher who improves the games
TrackMan, the best launch monitor and
of the pros they watch on weekend
swing analysis software available.
television.”
“Our technology improves the golf
Suttie’s TwinEagles academy is one
swing and helps people quickly and
of only two operated by the celebrated
efficiently break their bad habits,” said
teacher. The other is in his summer
Suttie. Multiple cameras record various
residence near Chicago.
angles of a student’s swing, and floor The 11-acre TwinEagles practice
mounted monitors with split-screen
facility has a short-game complex
technology allow
Suttie to match
Doc Suttie’s PGA students include Paul Azinger (left) and Chip Beck (center).
the student’s
body type and
swing style to a
professional’s,
included in his
library of 5,000
digital swings.
The academy
offers training
sessions, private
lessons and
accelerated
programs
covering different
aspects of the
game, all with computer analysis, takeand a dual-ended driving range with
home DVDs and one-on-one instruction
seven target greens adjacent to the
with Suttie. The Full Swing Training
club’s first golf course, The Talon, coSession provides drills to accelerate
designed by Jack and Jack Nicklaus II.
improvement; the Short Game Training
The club’s second course, the Aerie, is
Session emphasizes scoring within 100
being redesigned by course architect
yards and uses video comparisons with
Steve Smyers and co-designer Patrick
tour professionals; and the Science and
Andrews, with a grand reopening
Motion PuttLab employs sound waves to
planned later this year.
create a precise numerical snapshot of a
TwinEagles is located on Immokalee
student’s putt.
Road in Naples, approximately three
“The PuttLab is a very good tool
miles east of Collier Boulevard (SR 951).
for the average golfer,” said Suttie.
The master-planned community has
“Everybody’s interested in the swing, but
roughly 1,115 acres, with homes and
most strokes occur around the green.
recreational amenities surrounded by
Thirty minutes with the PuttLab can
more than 300 acres of open green space.
make a big difference in your game.”
For more information, call 239-354-1700,
Suttie has more than 30 years
or visit www.twineagles.com. To learn
teaching experience and is No.16 on
more about the Suttie Golf Academy, call
the Golf Digest “America’s 50 Greatest
239-354-1724 or 800-765-3838, or log onto
Teachers” list for 2009-2010, is a threewww.JimSuttie.com.

Athletic Foundation, as a total of 56
foursomes took to the two exclusive
championship courses for an enjoyable day of competitive golf and oncourse refreshments.
As participants gathered at end of
the day during the post-golf awards
reception, Ron Book gave a touching
speech, alongside Eric Reid and Tony
Fiorentino, to commemorate the work
of his daughter, Lauren Book, and
Lauren’s Kids Foundation, before a series of sports merchandise and memorabilia prizes were handed-out
during the post-tournament
raffle. Competition winners
were awarded custom-made
Reid & Fiorentino cut-glass
trophies, with first place going
the team made up of Eddie Hill,
Bryan Salter, Darrell Malone,
Reggie Givens and “Dancing
Joe” Parrinello. 2nd place was
awarded to Mark Higgs, Blair
Byrnes, Bobby Cahal, Aaron
Knafo and Ki Jana Carter, with
3rd place presented to Bruce
Keir, Doug Donn, Bob Ethridge,
Mike Stiber, Jr. and Bob Brudzinski. The 4th place prize was
awarded to Charlie DeLuca, Irv
Goldstein, Jim Kiely, Mike Stern
and Jeff Cross, with the “Most
Honest” golfing prize going
to the team of Joseph Quigly,
Sal Emma, Kathy Korenbaum,
Randall Hill and John Bock.
Tony Fiorentino commented

on this year’s Golf Classic: “We
couldn’t have asked for better
weather during this year’s Celebrity
Golf Classic. We had a great turn-out
and the tournament included some
of today’s greatest athletes that gave
the day a nice competitive edge. The
sports and South Florida community
ultimately came together for a most
enjoyable day of golf that will benefit our kids in the community and
throughout the region.”
“Our first event for this year’s

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Walter Briggs with Dean Baker
fundraiser was a huge success,” said
Eric Reid. “Seeing the room filled with
all our friends and supporters over the
years during the evening awards reception shows how committed the community is to helping our youth in South
Florida. We thank everyone involved for
making this year’s Golf Classic the best
yet.”
This year’s participating celebrity
team captains included: Cornelius Bennet (Colts/Bills/Falcons), Woody Bennett

Take the Challenge! Help provide shelter, meals, job skills
training, education, and children’s services to homeless
individuals and families, giving them a
hand-up to a better life.

See how many holes you can play in five hours!
Golfers commit to raising a minimum of $1,500 through
per-hole or flat pledges — all to benefit Coalition for
the Homeless of Central Florida.
Every golfer wins a prize!
Brad Brewer

1. Never play completely
sober… never. But you
knew that.
2. Know where the drink
cart girl is at all times.
Better yet just ride with the
drink cart girl. Tip big!
3. Use cigar as alignment
aid whenever possible.

How often do you play golf? About
4 times a week. Both on tour, and
when I am at home in Montecito,
CA or Atlanta.

C

omedian Ron “Tater Salad” White is
best known as the cigar smoking,
scotch drinking funnyman from
the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon. But with two Grammy nominations, a Gold Record, three of the top
rated one-hour TV specials in Comedy
Central history, a book that appeared
on the New York Times Best Seller List,
and CD and DVD sales of over 10 Million units, Ron has established himself
as a star in his own right. Over the
past 5 years he has been one of the top
3 grossing comedians on tour in the
United States.

32

What is your favorite charity to
support? The Armed Forces Foundation www.armedforcesfoundation.org. I just did a benefit show for
them, at the Grand Ole Opry.
What clubs are in your golf bag?
TaylorMade
What is your handicap? 12
What is your favorite golf tournament
to play in? Bob Hope
Fantasy foursome? My dad, Arnold
Palmer, Jack and Tiger
Best round? 78

4. After peeing in the
woods, always shake with
glove hand. Better yet, have
drink cart girl shake for you.
Bonus tip: note which way
wind is blowing your stream.
5. Never play alone; it leads to
questions.
6. Play ready golf. You’re not Tiger
Woods, this ain’t the Masters, and I
got a drink cart girl to find.
7. Hit till you’re happy on the first,
tenth and eighteenth tees. No questions asked.
8. As comfortable as it may look, the
green is not a good place for a siesta.
9. Make caddy hold any illegal substance you would normally carry in your
man-bag.
10. Only practice short game if out of
weed or need to get away from Mrs.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 12, Issue 1

33

By Ed Gilbert, Head Thinker

By

thinking header
of golf

Photos by

Killing Your Brand
Y

ou have spent hundreds of mil-

away from your competition. Most will

tigious country clubs in all of Central

lions of dollars over an extended

cut marketing dollars to increase the

Florida, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club

period of time building a brand.

bottom line. How is that working out for

& Lodge never wavered in its desire to

This brand means something when

you? Dumb.

protect the brand and image. No fire

the words flow from someone’s mouth.

Don’t prostitute your brand that

sale initiation fees in a down economy.

Mercedes Benz. Jaguar. Tiffany. Rolex.

you worked so hard to establish. Get

They protected the brand and the

Gucci. Callaway. TaylorMade. People

creative. Get professional help. One very

value to their existing and potential

automatically equate an image to those

established restaurant in Winter Park

member base. That is how it should be

commodities.

marketed a menu from 20+ years earlier

done. They know their market and they

You could even localize it. Your fa-

celebrating their anniversary. They also

stayed true to that market.

vorite restaurant. Your favorite country

offered their regular menu. Smart idea!

You could say that Bay Hill has an

club. Your favorite golf
course. Marketing money
is being spent every day
to entice people to purchase something and over
time, the market has built

Don’t prostitute your brand that
you worked so hard to establish.
Get creative. Get professional help.

an image of what those

34

advantage with Arnold
Palmer’s name and that
has some truth to it. But
when you build a brand
that stands for something
to a particular market,
you are far better off

goods and services offer.

Food was ample in portion and consis-

standing firm than one year you have

How long does it take to kill a brand?

tent with their quality and reputation.

changed your demographics and the

Not long. Would a prestigious country

They did not hurt their brand at all

next year you change them again. It

club whose initiation fee was $30,000

while maintaining their customer base.

could take decades to get back to the

at its peak have the same prestige at

Say you are an established 30 year

original market you so warmly coveted.

$3,000? Doubtful. Would a high end au-

old country club known as prestigious

Would you pay $75,000 for a Chevy

tomobile like Mercedes or Jaguar have

but when the economy falls, you drop

Malibu? Not unless you were on crack.

the same prestige if you could buy it

the initiation fee by 80%. I would fire

Would Jaguar offer an automobile at

under $20,000? Not hardly.

you. Better to find a way to increase the

$19,999 brand new? I don’t think so.

The mentality for many today is to

benefits to the existing and new mem-

Both have an audience they have

drop their pants and say: “how much

bers then to say to all those that paid at

established over time and they do a

money do you have? We can make a

a higher level, they have been devalued.

successful job marketing to their re-

deal.” It galls the crap out of me. When

Protect the brand at all costs.

spective established audiences. Don’t

times are tough, you should be spend-

One of the things I admire most

prostitute yourself or your brand. It’s

ing more money to take market share

about one of the oldest and most pres-

just not smart.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Dirt and Grime is a Crime

C

ountless dollars have been spent on
research and technology to make the
golfer’s game better; dollars spent
by both engineers and players. Most of
the emphasis has been on the club, but
a fair amount of consideration has been
given to balls, shoes and clothes. What
about the factors you can’t control? Of
course, there is always room for improvement on a swing or a putt but how
much time should you spend worrying
about dirt and grime?
Sport engineers have specifically designed golf balls to counteract resistance
during their rotations in mid-air. Golf
is a game of precision and any type of
buildup on the ball can disrupt the balance and drag the rotation off course. If
you have played golf for any length of
time, you know that the ball can sometimes seem to have a mind of its own.
The longer you play with the same ball,
the harder it is to maintain it on course.
This is caused by the dirt, mud, and
other unseen garbage that gets stuck on
the ball.
A dirty golf ball can affect many elements of the golf game like roll on a
green, flight in the air and contact with
the club. When in the air you will not be
able to know for sure if the ball is going
to go straight, left or right. If you are a
scratch player, you might still be able

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

to get fairly good scores, but eventually
the dirt and grime builds up on the ball
and clogs the dimples. This increases
the weight of the ball and destroys the
balance. At this point, the ball will be
almost impossible to play with and filthy
to hold. Gone are the days where golf
ball washers are conveniently placed on
the course. Even after finding one, there
is still the need for some form of towel
or handkerchief to dry the ball, since a
wet ball attracts dirt faster than a dry
one and also affects the center of gravity.
Enter BizMark and its unique motion and cleaning method. The BizMark golf ball cleaner replaces traditional cleaning methods and is quickly
taking its place as one of the finest golf
accessories in the marketplace. The
compact, sleek, and functional BizMark

fits comfortably in your pocket and
cleans a golf ball quicker and easier than
conventional cleaners. Additionally, the
BizMark is equipped with a magnetic
ball marker that allows players to mark
their ball prior to cleaning it on the
green. Many BizMark users have experienced a therapeutic grasp while using
the cleaner. Golfers at all levels of play
routinely note the motion of cleaning
the ball simply feels good, is stress relieving and helps relax them, especially
before high pressure putts.
BizMark makes cleaning easy. All you
need is the BizMark golf ball cleaner and
some water. Pour some water into the
cleaner at the beginning of your round,
give it two shakes to get rid of excess
water, put it in your pocket and you’re
ready to play.
The BizMark is completely customizable. Companies, country clubs
and charitable organizations have the
ability to display their logo on the ball
marker and on the body in a variety of
styles. The BizMark comes in a variety of
colors and metallized finishes. BizMark
Golf also offers a wide range of retail
packaging options including customized
gift boxes and executive gift sets.
For more information, or to order
the BizMark golf ball cleaner, visit
www.bizmarkgolf.com.
35

stay header
& play

The Number One Golf Coaching Team in the World

L

ed by two of the most celebrated
coaches on the PGA Tour, Steve Bann
and Dale Lynch, Saddlebrook Golf
Academy offers the most comprehensive
player development and instructional
programs to golfers of all abilities.
Saddlebrook Golf Academy was the first
in America to combine dedicated junior
golf training and nationally accredited
college-preparatory academics with the
founding of Saddlebrook Preparatory
School.
We invite new and experienced golfers, aspiring juniors, and tour players to
the performance-enriched training at
Saddlebrook Golf Academy. Come see why
the BannLynch coaching approach has
developed more top golfers in the world
than any other junior program.

36

Saddlebrook Golf Academy’s Coaching
Team Has Developed More Junior Players
Into PGA TOUR Professionals Than Any
Other Academy
Steve Bann and Dale Lynch personally
direct the training program at Saddlebrook Golf Academy; they coach and
instruct each golf student enrolled at
Saddlebrook Preparatory School along
with other experienced Academy teaching
professionals, Mark Hirschey, Mike Tali,
and Rolf DeRegarded as the number one
golf coaching team in the world, Bann
and Lynch originated a singular approach
to training; it is “holistic” by integrating
technical, mental, physical, and strategic
factors and “Olympic-style” with its focus
on building champions.
Chosen by the Australian government

in the late 1990’s, Bann and Lynch successfully created a national golf training program responsible for producing
more champions than any other program
internationally, including three of their
current students and PGA TOUR winners
Aaron Baddeley, Geoff Ogilvy, and Stuart
Appleby.
Saddlebrook Golf Academy meets the
individual goals of each player through a
comprehensive series of instructional programs both on and off the golf course.
In August 2011, Saddlebrook Golf
Academy will add to the current practice
area, opening a newly renovated practice
center complete with the most advanced
facilities and technologies to enhance golf
instruction and player development.
These additions include:
• 20 acres dedicated to golf instruction
• Multiple teeing areas and target greens
• Dedicated short game practice areas
• Two indoor golf studios with the latest
swing analysis technology
• An indoor putting lab
• A custom club fitting facility and repair
center
The Saddlebrook Golf Academy continues to offer private lessons as well as
many popular instructional programs
under the direction of Steve Bann and
Dale Lynch, including:
• Junior Golf Camps
• Play With A Pro
• Player Development Program
• New Player Academy
Just 30 minutes north of Tampa International Airport, Saddlebrook’s secure,
gated 480-acre resort features the Golf
Academy, as well as two Arnold Palmer
signature golf courses; 45 tennis courts,
including all four Grand Slam surfaces; a
state-of-the-art Fitness Center; a European-style Spa; the half-million gallon Superpool; five award-winning restaurants;
and 540 suites and deluxe guest rooms.
WWW.SADDLEBROOK.COM.

gardens or the nearby marina.
Make a splash in one of four oceanfront
resort-style pools. Experience a wide array
of water sports, including windsurfing,
scuba lessons, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, and
banana boats. Or, swim with the dolphins at
The Underwater Explorers Society.
For fun on land, we offer tennis on four
Grand Slam surfaces, a Las Vegas-style casino, and when it’s time to really unwind,
our 25,000-square-foot spa and fitness
center offers a full menu of soothing
treatments, a cardio theater and a wide
selection of fitness classes and equipment.
Golfers will appreciate the challenges of
two stunning championship courses. Test
your accuracy at the 6,824-yard Lucayan
course, known for its tree-lined fairways,
small elevated greens and trademark
Dick Wilson bunkers protecting almost every pin. Experience large undulating greens
protected by water, rolling
fairways with balldevouring
bunkers, and acres of native rough and shifting Trade
Winds at the 6,930-yard Reef
course, designed by Robert
Trent Jones, Jr.
Home to one of the world’s
largest underwater cave systems, three national parks, endless beaches,
emerald-green waters and an enchanting
marine life, Grand Bahama Island offers a
setting unlike any other—and Radisson Our
Lucaya Resort, Grand Bahama Island offers
the most amenities and the widest variety of
recreational, dining and entertainment venues
on the island—for one amazing vacation destination that can’t be found anywhere else.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

39

By Joel Jackson, CGCS, FGCSA Executive Director

live
header
golf

Photos by Joel Jackson

By

Photos by

Water Restrictions are Coming
As

of Saturday, March 26th golf
courses in the 16 County, South
Florida Water Management
District will be required to go on Phase
1 Water Restrictions. This means
they must reduce their water usage
by 15% and submit pumping reports
every Monday before noon each week.
Currently those using reclaimed water
will not be affected.
This is the result of one of our
driest summer rainy seasons in 2010
combined with a drier than normal
winter in 2011. I mention this and
show you’re the Florida Water Use pie
chart above to put all the claims and
assertions that golf courses are “big
water users” into proper perspective.
It is estimated that in that Public
Supply slice of the pie 50% or more is
used for outdoor irrigation, although
I suspect filling pools that have been
evaporating water at record paces are
in there too. So superintendents will
be tweaking their irrigation cycles,

40

reducing run times, and hand-water
hot dry spots instead of turning on the
sprinklers.
So, what can we all do as home
and property owners to also conserve
water? First you can inspect each and
every zone of your irrigation system.
Just turn on each station and observe
all the sprinklers in each zone. Are they
turning or spraying properly? Are some
broken or gushing water? If so, replace
them. If you can’t do it, ask a handy
neighbor friend or pay to have it done.
You’re wasting water and running up
your bill and not watering the plants or
grass anyhow.
Then check your timer settings for
each station on your clock or controller.
Try reducing the run time 5-10 minutes
per station. That adds up and if you see
the turf needs more you can always set
it back, but only on those stations that
need it. Don’t just set and forget your
system. Be aware and alert to rainy
days and turn your system off, and

then back on when your yard begins to
show some signs of stress again.
Our state’s water resources are being
maxed out. More growth is sure to
happen in the future so be a wise water
user now and help us all conserve our
precious water resources.

Golf Water Facts from the U.S
Geological Survey of Florida’s
Water Management Districts:

• Statewide about 30% of courses use
reclaimed water for irrigation.

• 94% of courses have weather
stations and computer controlled
pumps and sprinklers.

• Statewide about 140,000 acres of golf
courses are irrigated, compared to 4-5
million acres of home lawns.

• Compared to five years ago, water
use per acre has decreased 5% on golf
courses.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Marie Roberts received an
award for her 37 years of
service to the South Florida
Golf Course Superintendents
Association from SFGCSA
President Marcus Prevatte at
the March 24th Turf Expo held
at the U. of Florida Research
& Education Center in Ft.
Lauderdale. They SFGCSA
helped build and maintain a
research test green at the site.

Superintendent and Co-Director Mike Giddens (left) with Brad Bryant, Andy
Bean and Charles Barkley at the Annual Barkley, Bean Bryant and Friends
Celebrity Pro-Am. This annual event helps to raise money for the Lakeland
YMCA Par 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Tee and Golf Learning Center for kids and families. The
par 3 course and practice range is lighted for night play as well.
Joel Jackson,
FGCSA
Executive
Director (left)
receives a
$2,500 Turf
Research
Donation
check from
Jeff Strother,
President of the
Suncoast GCSA.
The occasion
was the annual
Suncoast Scramble event which pairs a course superintendent with his golf
pro, a club official and golf supplies vendor. Proceeds from the event also go
to junior golf and local charities.
Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 12, Issue 1

41

swing thoughts
header

A Foursome of Fours...
My New Lucky Number
S

pring is almost around the corner,
and I am preparing for more golf
adventures. We (my parents and I)
are planning several trips in California
and the surrounding states to play
competitive junior golf. I am really getting excited. As preparation for these
competitions, I have been golfing every
day and played in a few tournaments
over the last month.
My birthday was in early
February, and I turned 15.
I got to play in the Future
Champions Junior Golf event
at Carlton Oaks, in San Diego.
The weather was interesting,
featuring foggy mornings and,

on the second day, drizzling rain. This
event brought in a star-studded field.
Nationally ranked and highly regarded
junior players, such as Jonah Texiera
and Edwin Yi, could not resist the
temptation to compete in this nationally-ranked tournament.
I was pretty stoked and ready to play.
I carded a decent 75 in the first round.
That put me in second place. The
second round was much more difficult
for both players and spectators because
the fog did not lift until ten a.m. Then,
42

it started to drizzle and it would not
let up. I think the weather affected
my game that day. I had to settle for
fourth place for this event. I was still
very happy with the outcome and to
be competitive with such big names in
junior golf. I thought this was a good
way to start my new year at age 15.
The following weekend I had another
opportunity to enter a local tourna-

ment. This tournament was a lot of
fun because I was able to get my friend,
Michael Chylik, to caddy for me. It is
great to have someone like Michael on
bag. He is easy to get along with and
enjoys the game. Even though he is
new to the game of golf, he was very
helpful in getting me to relax. I hope
I was helpful in showing him parts of
the game that he can work on. I really
love the teaching part of the game. I
also hope I was able to inspire Michael
to get more involved in golf. I played
reasonably well but was disappointed
that I got another 4th place.
I was getting worried that fourth
place finishes would never stop coming
my way. So, I prepared really hard for
my next tournament. I wanted to do
well because this is one of my favorite events and this would be the last
time I would be eligible to play in this
tournament. My preparation consisted
of making many putts and hitting lots

"Q Tips"
By JJ Qualkenbush

Photos by Mike Coonan

of golf balls on the range. And, what
better time could there be to do that
than with a five day weekend off from
school? Perfect!
I was excited and confident that if I
worked hard enough the title would be
mine. But things happen. I got really
sick with the flu, had a temperature of
101 and could not keep food down. Still
I did not give up. I practiced through
it and I asked my new coach, Joe
Simonds, to be my caddy. He worked
with me to keep my motivation up.
The day of the tournament I struggled to pull myself out of bed. Every
move I made ached like nothing I have
ever experienced in my life. And, it
was raining again. But there are no
excuses in golf, so I walked to the first
tee drenched and feeling weak. Still I
managed to keep positive thoughts in
my head. I did not do as well as I had
hoped, but I never gave up. Of course
the score did not turn out to be what I
wanted it to be, but that did not matter because I never gave up and never
dwelled on any shot. The final result
after the first day was a surprisingly
good 9th place out of 25 junior golfers.
I was proud of that round of golf.
I knew I was capable of playing better golf. I just needed rest. I went back
to the hotel to eat and sleep. This gave
me time to map out a new game plan
for the following day. The next day I
played relaxed. It was a good strategy.
I shot a decent score, and that moved
me up to fourth place. I could not help
but laugh because every tournament in
the month of February, I placed fourth.
It seemed like 4 was my new lucky
number.
I ended the month with my high
school golf team team tryouts. It was
fun because it was something that I
have never done before. I played four
consistent rounds of golf and made the
varsity team as a freshman. My high
school has one of the top golf teams in
the country, so I felt proud of this accomplishment. This is cool!
I would like to thank my family and
friends for their continuing support
and encouragement. You are all my
number one motivator.
Hit it long and straight!
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 12, Issue 1

43

competitiveheader
spirits

Voodoo Tiki Tequila
Voodoo Tiki Tequila Corp. offers a full range of high-concept, highquality Ultra-Premium and Super-Premium handcrafted tequila made
from the highest quality 100% Weber Blue agaves aged between
10-12 years. Voodoo Tiki Tequila Corp. chooses only the biggest and
sweetest agaves, which are baked from 26-48 hours and the tequila
is distilled twice.
Every bottle is hand-blown with an actual glass Voodoo Tiki inside ,
and are hand etched, wax dipped, signed, numbered and include 1
of 100 possible “magic words.”
The Tequila Factory is located in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico in
the region known as “Corazón de los altos” in the small town called
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geographic features integral to the cultivation of the sweetest and
largest “Agave Azul.” www.VoodooTiki.com or call 1-VooDooTiki.

Nominate your favorite bartender to showcase his/her signature drink with a recipe and photos. Readers will also
find a discounted price for that drink so they can visit the bartender to sample the true taste of the libation.
44

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

golf header
fitness

Fitness Xperts

offers tips for tuning up
your swing for spring
Golfers will spend
countless time and money
to improve their game.
They’ll look for the best
coaches to perfect their
swing mechanics, the best
equipment to get more
precision and distance,
and talk with sport
psychologists to learn all
about maintaining their
focus and controlled
concentration. They do
all of this in the name
of becoming a better
golfer but ironically they
completely neglect the
machine that swings the
Karen Hildreth spots husband Kitt on the bench press at Fitness Xperts, an
club -- their own body!
upscale fitness studio they own and operate in Altamonte Springs, Fla.
Over the past 10 years,
two fitness trends have
become very important to
common injuries that can limit one’s time on
today’s golfer -- strength and flexibility.
the course.”
“A stronger golfer will drive the ball further,
To address these two issues Hildreth
maintain better swings and see a reduction
recommends that golfers enroll in a customized
in injuries
fitness program.
prone to
“Start with 30-45 minutes of weekly strength
the sport as
training, 2-3 days a week,” she said. “Then to
he or she
help build flexibility, golfers should participate
gets older,”
in 1-2 days of Pilates focusing on stretching
said Karen
and strengthening their core. Add some cardio
Hildreth,
throughout the week and be sure to treat
owner /
your body to a good sports massage with the
operator
emphasis on stretching and loosening the
of Fitness
muscles at least once every two weeks.”
Xperts, an
Fitness is only part of the solution. Studies
upscale
have shown that when it comes to looking,
fitness
feeling or performing better, 70 percent of your
studio, in
results come from proper nutrition.
Altamonte
"Because nutrition
Springs, Fla.
is so vital, we focus a
“Flexibility is
lot of our time working
important to
with clients to help
help achieve
them put together
maximum
meal plans that will
power
best benefit their
from the
particular goals,” she said. “In the strength and
Strength training on a balance board swing and
conditioning world they often say that you can’t
with cables builds core stability.
helps avoid
out-train a bad diet. The same adage is true
246

in the golf world. You can’t outpractice or out-swing a bad diet.
There’s absolutely no substitute
for providing the right nutrients at
the right times.”
In the past 50 years, the food
we eat has changed dramatically
for the worse and our body lacks
many of the key nutrients it needs
to run optimally. That is why more
and more coaches, nutritionist
and doctors are recommending
using nutritional supplements.
“Nutritional supplements
are designed to fill in the gaps
where our diets are lacking,” said
Hildreth. “They give us the optimal
health and vitality we all deserve.”
For the past three years Karen
and her husband Kitt have been
recommending ADVOCARE
nutritional products to their
Fitness Xperts has a variety of carclients and they have seen
diovascular equipment to train on.
incredible results.
“Since we started our clients
on the ADVOCARE program we
have seen amazing results including reduced body fat, increased
muscle/bone strength and more energy than ever before,” she said.
“We start each of our clients on a 24-Day Challenge, which includes
a healthy eating
plan coupled along
with key products
to help jumpstart
their fitness
program.”
Fitness Xperts
is offering a
free 30-minute
nutritional
consultation
to review your
meal plan and
help you set up
a healthy eating
program tailored
to your individual
needs. For more
details call (407)
Proper stretching improves fitness & prevents injuries. 758-6791.

Fitness Xperts'
'Biggest Loser'
Lee Viersen began his
journey to fitness at 55-yearsold after he'd
been sick for
10 years. His
cholesterol
was 401,
his blood
sugar 250
and blood
pressure
200/98. He
Viersen (Before)
weighed 310
pounds with
more than
36 percent
body fat. He
suffered from
severe sinus
issues and his
joints hurt
so badly he
Viersen - After
couldn’t jog.
“I was
killing myself with poor eating
habits and complete lack of
physical activity,” Viersen said.
With knowledge and care of
his personal training coach,
Marco Dalabona, Viersen
transformed his body to such
a degree that he competed in
a body building competition
at 60.
He's currently 205 pounds
with a consistent body fat of
less than 8 percent.
“I learned that how you eat
is the most important factor
in a healthy plan and training
is also vital,” he said.
Viersen devotes his life
to helping others achieve a
healthy lifestyle.
“Through positive
affirmations, proper meal
planning, and biomechanically
correct resistance training
I can help you become the
healthy energetic, vibrant
person you are meant to be.”
Call Lee at (407) 435-7059
or email lviersen@cfl.rr.com.
www.leeviersen.com.
47
3

urnament news tournament news tournament news tournament news tourn

St. Paddy’s Day
‘Scramble in the Night’
Tournament at Errol
Errol Golf and
Tennis now
open to public

E

rrol Golf and Tennis in Apopka, Fla. kicked off their series of
fun-filled golf events on St. Paddy’s Day with a “Scramble in
the Night” 9-hole Glo-Ball tournament March 17th. Under the
light of the “Supermoon” complete with a bounty of beverage stops,
more than 80 players enjoyed four hours of Irish fun and plenty of
green beer.
Following the event players feasted on a buffet including corned
beef and cabbage and danced to party tunes spun by DJ Ruthie Bei.
Errol Golf and Tennis offers 27 holes of championship golf with
dramatic views, beautiful lakes, vistas and lush fairways with
towering native pines and oak trees unique to Florida.
The Lake, Highlands and Grove Courses were designed by Florida's
prolific golf course designer “Gentleman” Joe Lee.
Errol Golf and Tennis is home to Steve's World of Golf where you
can find the lowest prices on equipment in Orlando. Visitors can
enjoy lunch, dinner, happy hours every day of the week and live
entertainment Friday and Saturday nights in Pirie's Tavern.
Along with golf and tennis, Errol offers meeting space, golf villas
and a family swimming complex.
For tee times and more information call 407-886-5000 or visit
www.errolestatecc.com.
48

Today, under new owners,
a fresh look and a broader
attitude, Errol Golf and Tennis
is the place where everyone in
Orlando can come to have fun
and escape the daily grind.
“Nothing pretentious,
nothing ostentatious,” said
the new management team at
Errol. “Errol continues to strive
away from 'The Old Country
Club Vibe' into becoming the
place where everyone in the
area can come play and enjoy.”
Errol Golf and Tennis was
first settled as a residence: the
home of John Thomas Pirie,
and is situated on 1,000 acres
originally purchased by Pirie
in 1886. The property was
named “Errol” after a village
in Scotland, John T. Pirie’s
birthplace. He later developed
Errol into a showplace, not only
with the main “Hill House” and
grounds, but as a progressive
stock farm.
The Pirie tradition is still
alive at Errol. John T. Pirie’s
great grandson, William “Bill”
Pirie, and his wife Isabelle built
their home on Errol Parkway
in 1983 and remain as winter
residents.
For more information
call 407-886-5000 or visit
www.errolestatecc.com.

his month we decided it was time
for a road trip to Florida’s First
Coast. We packed up our clubs and
visited the oldest course in Nassau
County, the northern most county
before leaving the state. Fernandina
Beach Golf Club is a great municipal facility comprised of three fantastic nine
hole layouts with over 10,000 yards of
pure golf. Billy Casper Golf, owner and
operator of over 125 golf courses and
resorts nationwide just recently took
over the management of the club for
the city of Fernandina. Before there
was an Omni Amelia Island Plantation
or the other beautiful developments
and courses built in and around Fernandina, there was a 9 holer designed
in 1956 by Ed Madison, the club pro,
and built by the citizens of the town.
The city fathers realized that if they included a golf course with a magnificent
coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, that
folks might just want to extend their
stay to living there. Now you know the
rest of the story.
Getting there is easy. Take exit
373 off of I-95 and go east till you get
to Amelia Island Parkway, and soon
as you pass the airport, turn left on
Via Del Rey Road and follow it to the
clubhouse. The golf club is located
about 2 blocks from the Ocean and
the nines are 3 distinctively different
courses. The North was the first and is
the shortest and most forgiving. The
West is the longest at over 3600 yards
50

and built in 1959 with the same head
pro designing the layout. The South is
the tightest with its fair share of water
lining the 3300+yards course. Tommy
Birdsong, the head pro at the time
designed this nine and it opened for
play in 1972. All of them have Mother
Nature’s specialty touch throughout
with towering pines, stately palms
and moss draped oaks bordering the
fairways. The neat thing about having
separate 9 hole layouts is that they
can have three groups teeing off at the
same time and players who want a
quick game can go out and walk if they
care to, finishing after nine.
One distinctive thing I found during
my time at FBGC is the warm hospitality of the staff and their pride in the
golf club. Everyone wants to make
your golf experience the best- from
the starter, the pro shop attendees,
and the restaurant staff. Damian
Brink, the new general manager who
has been with Billy Casper at other
facilities, gave me a tour of the golf
club and some of the subtle changes
already going on. Mike Lovejoy, the
player assistant, told me about the
history of the course and visited with
us numerous times to insure a speedy
and joyful round. Before we went to
play we enjoyed a delightful lunch in
the relaxing lounge and met Bridgett
Pettingill, food and beverage manager,
who was preparing for a party in the
large dining area. She gave us some

insight as to the changes that will be
made to the lounge and that they can
host wedding, banquets and parties in
the clubhouse that was built in 2000.
Fernandina Beach Golf Club really is
one of the best municipal golf facilities
in the country.
They have a driving range plus
putting and chipping areas to work on
your game and the staff is available
for lessons. Our venture today took
us to the South & North courses. We
started out on a par 5 that the Duffer
got a shot up from the Gang quickly
only to lose it at the #1 handicap hole,
the 4par 398 yard dog leg right 2nd.
A par on the 3rd, a short par 3 and I
smelled the money. I have got to stop
watching Tiger, because my tee shots
are not finding the short grass which
caused a snowman on the 591 yard
4th. I steadied the ship on the rest of
the holes by putting the driver in the
bag and playing 3 wood off the tee to
the narrow fairways. I used the big
dog on the North because there was
a lot more room for my errant shots.
There was only one par 5 that I could
take advantage of but my drives kept
me in play only to win the match. It is
good to be the Duffer, but it is better
to win. You can quote me on that. If
you want to enjoy a great round of
golf and save a whole bunch of money
when visiting Fernandina and Amelia Island call 904-277-7370 or go to
www.FernandinaBeachGolfClub.com.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

GOLF
SOUTH CAROLINA

Rolling hills and mossy oaks mix lowcountry charm with highland terrain. Enjoy over a dozen courses including
Santee National Golf Club, rated 4 stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play.
Stay in the convenient golf course villas, beautiful waterfront condos overlooking Lake Marion, or one of
our full service hotels. For more information visit www.GolfSantee.com.

GOLF PACKAGE

Daily Rates Starting at:
October 1 - November 14
November 15 - February 6
February 7 - February 13
February 14 - March 6
March 7 - May 15

$69
$62
$68
$72
$74

Seasonal surcharge/credit may apply to some courses. Tax is additional.
Rates are per person, per day and are subject to change without notice.

Visit www.Stay.JulietteFalls.com for More Information and to Sign Up for our eNewsletter or
Call 1-866-238-4085 for Reservations & Tee Times • 20 Minutes West of Ocala in Dunnellon, FL
*Plus tax

orth florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north florida PGA north

By Steve Morris

Moving on UP!
O

ur membership rallied behind ED/
CEO Rich Smith’s initiative to be
number one! We finished 2nd in
submissions for the PGA’s Annual
Compensation Survey. Being the 4th
largest Section, that is an impressive
response percentage and huge
improvement
over previous
years. This survey
provides valuable
information and
data that can be
used as tools to
the weekend
help our members
and their PGA
and facilities
Professionals
achieve their
gave hundreds
set goals with
of free lessons.
pertinent and
FanFast
accurate numbers.
captured the
It’s a numbers
attention of
game these days
hundreds of
and the right
PGA Master Professional Bob Intrieri,
passerby’s at
numbers contribute Thanks for coming!
Universal’s
to successful
CityWalk.
marketing and operational strategies.
PGA Professionals gave free tips there
Our members were out front and
as well. We’re working together to
center for Golfest The Villages and
promote the game and the PGA to the
Arnold Palmer’s Invitational FanFest
masses.
at Universal Citywalk in Orlando. The
Our Section Champion, Jeff Freeman,
Villages hosted over 10,000 golfers for
CC of Orlando, competed in the PGA

Nancy Lopez at GolFest Tampa
54

Annika at GolFest Orlando
Tour’s Transitions Championship. Our
PNC Champion, Rod Perry, Daytona
Beach GC, competed in Arnold Palmer’s
Bay Hill Invitational. Both earned
special exemptions as a reward for
being champions in our Section Majors.
Junior Golf continues to remain a
priority as Summer approaches. The
Section Junior Championship will also
be the qualifying venue to advance
finalists to the National PGA Junior
Championship. Each Chapter will host
their own Junior Championship, with
their top kids earning “exemptions”
into the Section Junior Championship
at Disney. Disney will also incorporate
its Children’s Miracle Network Junior
Championship with our Section Junior
Championship. Disney will offer special
rates for rooms and park tickets for the
families. Doesn’t get any better than
that for the kids and the families! We’re
going to Disney World! We’re looking
forward to a great Junior Major Series.
The Florida Golf License plate has
committed thousands of dollars to our
Section for our Junior Golf Initiatives.
They are seeing the benefit of
partnering with the PGA to help junior
programs throughout the state with
the monies set aside from the sales of
the Golf License Plate. This money is
monitored and specified for junior golf
only. The money is in the fund and they
want to give it away for junior golf!
Our cooperative effort with the State
of Florida along with the Florida State
Golf Association continues to benefit
the programs, initiatives and most
importantly, our kids!
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Nicolas Cavero and
Marissa Kay Start the
Junior Tour Season Off
With Victories at the
Fountains Country Club

T

he South Florida PGA Junior Tour
presented by the Honda Classic
hosted Event #1 at The Fountains
Country Club in Lake Worth. The North
course at the 54-hole facility provided
for an excellent test of golf throughout
the two day event.
Nicolas Cavero of Doral, FL was able
to hold off last year’s winner Derron
Peyton of Boynton Beach to win the
Boys Overall Division. Cavero carded
a final round 2-under 69 for a two day
total of 140 to claim a three shot victory. Raymond Boone of Cutler Bay , FL
edged out a second place finish with a
combined score of 143. Derron Peyton
had another successful weekend at the
Fountains Country Club finishing third
with a 144 total score.
Claiming the Girls Overall Division

Nicolas Cavero with
Director of Golf Joe Roux
was Marissa Kay of Delray Beach . Kay
was able to keep her lead from Round
1 by finishing 73 – 73 for a two stroke
lead of 146. Annie Dulman of Palm
Beach Gardens, FL finished strong with
a 1-over par 72 Sunday, awarding her
second place with a 148 finish. Ashley

Dane Cianelli
56

Burke, last year’s winner from Boynton
Beach , was able to capture third place
with a 151 total score for the tournament.
The Boys 12-13 Age Division was not
short on great play as Ty Strafaci of
Davie , FL won the event after firing a
second round 69. Strafaci finished the
tournament with a two day total of 144.
Hamilton Long of Palm Beach Gardens
had a strong tournament, finishing
second with scores of 73-74 for a total
147. Finishing third was Cole Sposato of
Vero Beach , with a total of 148.
In the Girls 12-13 Age Division, Kaely
Krayeski of Wellington shot a 74 the
first round, to beat her personal best
score. Krayeski continued her momentum and edged out the competition
by 1 stroke Sunday finishing with a
161. Both Zora Gittens of Parkland, and
Story Shaw of West Palm Beach tied for
a finish of 162.
Congratulations to all competitors in
the event.
The next South Florida PGA Junior
Tour event will be held April 9th and
10th at Santa Lucia River Club in Port
St. Lucie.
For more information on the Junior
Tour, please visit the South Florida PGA
Website at www.sfpgagolf.com and
click on Junior Golf.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Combine one of the best layouts in
Central Florida with 120-foot elevation
changes and superb guest service, and
you’ll understand why golfers from all
over the globe have put Highlands
Reserve at the top of their “must-play”
list of Orlando golf courses.

H

ighlands Reserve provides an experience over and above your typical Florida golf
course. With the rolling hills, large undulating greens and a wide open layout,
the course is a fair challenge
for players of all calibers. Open to the
public, Highlands Reserve takes pride in
welcoming golfers from all over the US
and throughout the world. The club
has even recently been honored to host
LPGA Tour player Christina Kim and
European Tour player Pablo Martin who
raved about the golf course conditions.
Considered one of the best values in
Central Florida, you don’t want to miss your opportunity to play at this great facility.
The course is conveniently
located on just minutes from
the Disney World Resort on
U.S. Highway 27 just north
of Interstate 4. All golfers
are welcome and tee times
are available every day at
(863) 420-1724 or toll free
at (877) 508-4653.

Tee times may also be reserved online at www.highlandsreserve-golf.com.

Bring this ad and receive a special discounted rate!

By

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Mystic Dunes Golf Club, a high-end daily fee course, is open to the public and is located at Mystic Dunes Resort &
Golf Club in Celebration, Florida, which is owned and operated by Tempus Resorts International, Ltd. Designed by
Champions Tour player and NBC Golf Analyst Gary Koch, this premier Central Florida course is a par 71, 7,012-yard
golfer’s dream. The course is ranked a 4 ½-star facility among Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play”, has been honored
as a Course of Distinction among Golfweek’s “Best Resort Courses”, and is ranked #2 among “Orlando’s Top 5 Golf
Courses” by TravelGolf.com. Tee times can be booked online at www.mysticdunesgolf.com or by calling the pro
shop at 1-866-311-1234 or 407-787-5678.
60

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

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Langer Aces It
B

ernhard Langer (64-66-66=196) posted a tournament-record 20-underpar 196 to capture his first victory
of the season at The ACE Group Classic.
Langer had eight birdies and finished
with a final round six-under-par 66 to
outlast Fred Funk by four strokes.
“It’s always exciting winning,” said
Langer. “Winning is what we’re out
here for, what I practice for.”
Langer spent the early part of the
week in Naples with extra work on the
practice range. He was one of the last
players to leave the range on Wednesday and Thursday. That practice paid
off as Langer enjoyed a share of the
lead over the course of all three days.
His first round 8-under-par 64 is the
lowest opening round by a champion
in tournament history. All together, he
carded 23 birdies and an eagle during
the tournament.
Langer, who lives in Boca Raton,
FL, enjoyed the tremendous crowd
support, including a surprise appearance from three of his kids at the first
tee on Sunday. The Southwest Florida
community came out in full force all
week, with some of the best crowds in
tournament history.
“It’s wonderful to see that many
people, even on Friday,” said Langer.
“We were surprised how many people
showed up and it’s great to see that
kind of support from the community
and obviously a lot of money goes to
the charities, to local charities, so it
will benefit them and it’s great for us
to have that kind of support out there.
62

It’s more fun playing in front of a large
crowd than a small crowd.”
Funk (16-under) and first round coleader Russ Cochran (15-under) each
made a run at Langer during Sunday’s
final round. However, the four-stroke
lead Langer held heading into Sunday
was too much to overcome.
Funk (68-66-66=200) closed the gap
to two strokes after a Langer bogey
on hole 11, but Funk was not able to
capitalize on several opportunities and

made pars on the final seven holes. “I
put myself in position where I needed
to… except for I didn’t finish them
off,” said Funk. “It was fun to get in the
hunt.”
Cochran and Nick Price finished T3
at 15-under. Mark Calcavecchia, playing
in the final pairing with Langer and
Cochran, finished fifth at 14-under.
For complete information on
The ACE Group Classic visit
www.theacegroupclassic.com.
Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

he developer of One Thousand
Ocean recently hosted a lunch and
cocktail reception in the largest

of the condominium building’s four
penthouses. The 8,770 square feet
of interior space plus 4,417 square
feet of terraces provided a unique
venue for guests to dine and admire
extraordinary ocean, Boca Raton Inlet,
lake and city views.
“We were delighted to welcome the
celebrated Unser family along with

many of the leading supporters of the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County
during the weekend’s fifth annual Boca
Raton Concours d’Elegance,” said Jamie
Telchin, LXR Luxury Resorts’ president
of development. “The event, which
attracts thousands of car enthusiasts
each year to the Boca Raton Resort
& Club, raises funds for the Boys &
Girls Clubs and, in turn, presents
opportunities for at-risk children that

James McDonnell and Helene Weicholz

they ordinarily would not have. This is
a very worthy cause.”
Concours d’Elegance Founders and

Andrew Pietrak, Maureen Egan.

Producers Rick and Rita Case, as well
as Jamie McDonnell, this year’s event
chairman, were among the esteemed
guests at One Thousand Ocean. During
lunch prepared by the Boca Raton
Resort & Club, Rick Case acknowledged
One Thousand Ocean’s generosity for

Steven Chapman, Bill Daniels and Janet Daniels.

hosting the event.
Many of the visitors spent time on
the sprawling ocean terrace where
they relaxed and watched mega
yachts entering the ocean from the
inlet below. A number of guests also
expressed interest in seeing the

Rick and Rita Case

building’s two furnished models and
were taken on tours.

(L to R) John Mendel, Doug Danuser and Kurt Antonius.

Located adjacent to the Boca Raton
Resort’s Boca Beach Club on a private
peninsula surrounded by water on
three sides, One Thousand Ocean
offers ultra-luxurious Residences,
Beach Villas and Penthouses priced
from approximately $3 million to $15
million. For more information, visit
www.onethousandocean.com.
64

UK artist Colin Carter

Jeff Vickers, Bob Van Riper, John Hunt, Doug Danuser, Arthur Benjamin

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

$50 OFF ORTHOTICS
At Good Feet Orlando

FEET, KNEES or BACK HURT?
Plantar Fasciitis Stopping You in Your
Tracks?

During the Allianz Championship at Broken Sound Club, (from left) Broken Sound Club General Manager, John
Crean receives the GEO Certified Award from GEO’s CEO Jonathan Smith, together with the club’s Golf Maintenance Director Joseph Hubbard.

Nation's Second GEO Certified™ Award
B

roken Sound Club in Boca Raton,
Fla. , host to the 2011 PGA Champions Tour Allianz Championship, has
become the second golf facility in the
U.S. to be GEO Certified™ -- the sustainability assurance of the international
Golf Environment Organization (GEO).
The staff and management of Broken
Sound Club have made environmental
enhancement and corporate responsibility central to their business model
since launching “green” initiatives
three years ago, according to John
Crean, CCM, general manager. A ‘Platinum Club of America,’ Broken Sound
provides a multi-faceted social and
recreational hub with two golf courses
as the centerpiece for a large operation
that employs over 350 people.
Leading Broken Sound’s vision, strategy and management team, Crean is
a recognized advocate for resource efficiency and environmental stewardship
within the Club Managers Association
of America. At Broken Sound, he coordinates a group that includes sustainability leaders within country clubs,
plus local community and government
officials.
As required for the GEO Certified™
award, Broken Sound’s golf facility met
advanced sustainability requirements
and is committed to continuous improvement in areas such as landscape
and ecosystems, water, energy, products and supply chains, and environmental quality.
This spring, for example, the club
launches operation of an environmental composter/digester to reduce green
66

and food waste and produce refined
compost. The initiative is expected to
decrease the amount of water and fertilizer needed to maintain the course.
Broken Sound has also installed solar
panels and is adding a solar array. The
club is an Audubon certified sanctuary,
and it has implemented programs to
reduce electrical costs.
“To become only the second club in
the United States to receive GEO certification is a huge honor,” Crean said.
“GEO’s stringent certification requirements reflect our own philosophy in
maintaining environmental responsibility. GEO sets the international ‘gold
standard’ in the field of golf course
sustainability, and to be recognized by
them is an incredible distinction.”
In the team effort required to achieve
certification, Broken Sound Golf

Maintenance Director Joseph Hubbard,
CGCS, a GCSAA member, coordinated
a vast amount of data from the club’s
operations to complete the GEO application. “I have been involved in getting
over a dozen courses Audubon Co-Operative Sanctuary certified in my years
as a superintendent,” said Hubbard,
“but this was by far a more advanced
look at accountability and sustainability within the environmental preservation world. “
Jonathan Smith, the Scotland-based
CEO of GEO, was in Florida for the annual GCSAA Golf Industry Show. He
attended the Allianz Championship at
Broken Sound to make the presentation in person. He noted, “The management team at Broken Sound has
demonstrated how every golf club can
transition to increasingly sustainable
practices -- even in relatively short
timeframes.
“Their vision, commitment and
teamwork have reduced resource consumption as they gradually naturalize
the golf courses,” Smith added. “Their
flagship composting and water treatment projects will have tremendous
added benefits for the club and the
local community and demonstrate
both innovation and determination to
make a significant difference. We look
forward to watching Broken Sound’s
ongoing progress toward the priorities
agreed upon with the GEO Accredited
Verifier during the official site visit, and
which will be fully reported as part of
the Club’s re-certification process in
three years.”
The full GEO report is available at
www.golfenvironment.org/clubs/brokensound.

Broken Sound Club’s Old Course

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Not doing
what you want
to do in life?
There is a better way!
Do what you love to do! Let the Golf Academy of America show you
how you can have a career in the business of golf.
The Golf Academy of America, an accredited* golf career school that
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Get started on your career in golf. Learn more about our four
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was everything Florida boasts
about. Sunshine and blue skies
in February, while the rest of
the country shivered under a blanket
of snow I vividly remember trudging
through delivering the morning newspapers. The words of P.G. Wodehouse
sprang to mind… “a day all of nature
cried fore.”
On the morning of the Inaugural
United States Professional Hickory Golf
Championship, I was excitedly preparing the tee boxes for my fellow
pros who had accepted the call to
celebrate golf history. The 1922 Tom
Bendelow(the Johnny Appleseed of
American Golf) designed course at
Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club
in Tampa looked fairly docile in the
early morning mist, but the players
would soon find her 6400+ yards a
stern test, as the wind kicked up prior
to the late morning start.
The field of golfers was led by PGA
Champions Tour player David Frost,
who has 22 wins throughout the
world and competed in the Ace Group
Classic in Naples the weekend before.
Yet here Frosty was, sifting through
niblicks and mashies provided By Dr.
Jay Harris of Pinehurst and the Society of Hickory Golfers, unlike David’s
perfectly fitted Taylor Made clubs with
which he’s more familiar. His son Sean
was making his professional debut at
Temple Terrace as well, prior to setting
off on the Hooter’s Tour to try his swing
on the competitive circuit. Think about
that for a moment. You are turning
pro in 2011 and your first professional

68

outing has you playing with clubs from
over 100 years ago.
This was a day not just for Hickory
Golf, but for all of golf. Players reliving
the roots of the game not only with old
time sticks but on a historical layout,
experiencing the sheer joy we hickory
golfers have known for some time.
When people ask me why I prefer Hickory shafted clubs I just tell them the
story about another name from bygone
days- the great Joe DiMaggio. During a

By Mike Stevens

heated contract negotiation with the
Yankees, Joe finally relented and signed
to their offer. When asked why he gave
in DiMaggio simply replied ‘the game
was in his blood’. No more need be said.
All of us who play know exactly what he
meant.
For me, the best part of the day was
seeing all the smiles and listening to the
post-round chatter. Everyone was commenting on how much they enjoyed the
play and were asking how to get hickory
clubs. The experience was so positive
that everyone was wanting to know
when the next tournament will be
and whether they could bring along
some friends. Golfers talking about
the game with a renewed interest
and becoming life-long friends. That’s
what it’s all about. We all enjoyed a
fabulous buffet luncheon provided by
Executive Chef Edward Stenhoff.
Our champion, Leroux Ferreira,
originally from South Africa and
now residing in Texas, is another
young pro trying to make his mark.
He bested the field with a 79 and
captured the John Shippen Cup,
honoring the first American-born
professional. And right behind, David
Frost with an 81 for 2nd with Wesley
Chapel pro Jon Benson 3rd at 83. As for
yours truly, I managed to tie for sixth
to enjoy some spending money. Many
thanks to PGA Professional Head Pro
Jim Garrison and the staff and membership at Temple Terrace for their
gracious hospitality. To learn about the
Society of Hickory Golfers you can visit
www.HickoryGolfers.com.

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

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product showcase
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By

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Swedish apparel maker, Abacus, markets and sells leisure clothing with golf at the heart
of its inspiration. The company’s collections combine functionality, design, and quality in a
way that has given Abacus a very strong international presence in just a few years.
The Abacus Carlo is a sporty, functional men’s polo in a bamboo charcoal/polyester
Drycool blend. The combination of micro polyester and bamboo charcoal transfers moisture
from the skin to the outer surface and quickly evaporates. The material keeps your body
warm and maintains body temperature. The Carlo is fashionable with a striped patterned
fabric in similar shades.
For more information on Abacus apparel, call Caulfeild apparel at (800) 268-7939.

➌ Datrek® Catalina
➋ Jack Black
Introducing a sunscreen that won’t budge – no
matter how hard you play. Jack Black’s new
Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45 is an oil-free, very
water and sweat resistant, vitamin-enriched
lotion that won’t run or drip into your eyes. The
quick-absorbing formula with exceptional staying power makes it a must-have accessory for
sports professionals and weekend warriors.
Singlehandedly raising the bar for waterproof
sunscreens, Jack Black provides superior
broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in an
oil-free formula that is fragrance-free, colorantfree and dermatologist tested. Sun Guard
Sunscreen SPF 45 stays on in the most extreme
conditions, so nothing gets in the way of your
outdoor performance.
The PureScience® formula locks in nature’s
best - using healing botanicals, vitamins and
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without parabens, sulfates, fragrance or
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Availability: Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45
is available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom,
Bloomingdale’s, Sephora.com, Saks Fifth Avenue
and at www.getjackblack.com.

On the heels of introducing a full line of
men’s bags in 2010, Datrek, a Division
of Dynamic Brands and an industry
leader in golf bags, recently debuted
the Catalina cart bag, the first women’s
specific model in the Datrek collection
since the brand was acquired by
Dynamic Brands.
The Catalina’s abundance of
design features offer golfers the
ultimate in functionality, style and
organization. The fashionable new
bag is equipped with a 10-inch 14-way
top with individual full length dividers;
seven pockets, including a fleecelined valuables pocket and insulated
cooler pocket; external putter clip;
dual apparel pockets with an interior
mesh organizer pocket; embroiderable
oversized front ball pocket; premium DG
interior lining in storage compartments;
towel ring; external tee holders;
Velcro® glove holder; umbrella holder;
and matching rain hood.
The Catalina comes in an assortment
of dazzling color combinations including
fuchsia/silver, purple/silver, lime green/
silver, light blue/silver and black/silver,
and has an SRP of $139.95.
The Catalina is now available
at golf shops nationwide.

➍ Wilson Staff Travel Gear
Wilson Staff has introduced its new line of durable travel gear to fit with any golfer’s travel
plans. The line of gear includes a full-sized wheel duffel bag, overnight bag, rolling golf club travel
cover, back pack, and shoe bag.
The travel gear comes in the distinctive Wilson Staff red color with the iconic Wilson Staff logo,
and is made with 1680 D polyester material with excellent tensile and tear-resistant strength.
The full travel gear line includes:
• Wheel bag features large inside pocket, two side pockets, and a top pocket with retractable
handle (34.5” x 16.5” x 13”)
• Overnight bag features large inside pocket, two side pockets, and a top pocket with a padded
shoulder strap (20” x 11.5” x 8.75”)
• Golf club travel bag fits carry and cart golf bags (up to 9”) with its easy-to-wheel design to
protect precious golf clubs during travel. It also has two exterior buckle closures to ensure
security (54” x 15.75” x 14.625”)
• Double shoulder-strap back pack features abundant space with a built-in laptop pocket and file
section (17.5” x 12.5” x 9”)
• Shoe bag protects shoes during travel and allows for quick and easy
storage(13.5”x 8.75” x 4.8”)
Visit www.wilsonstaff.com or call 773.714.6400 for more information.

70

Florida Golf Central • Volume 12, Issue 1

Who says you can’t mix
business with pleasure?

Partake in a golf tournament with purpose. Hit the greens to help promote education.
Network with professionals and business leaders that have direct influence on a
community with a purchasing power of $1 trillion dollars*. Don’t miss out!

*Data provided by MediaPost Communications. Presence of partner logos reflects affiliation at time of publishing.
Latino Leadership is a 501(c)3 non‑profit organization and donations may be tax deductible. For more info on LL, visit www.latino‑leadership.org.

PURE GOLF
Black Bear Golf Club is a quintessential P.B. Dye designed championship
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biggest elevation changes. P.B. Dye lived up to his reputation as a designer of championship courses when he built Black Bear.
The focus at Black Bear is pure golf. The club boasts one of the best practice facilities in Central Florida. With a double ended 400 yard range,
40,000 square foot short game complex, 6,000 square foot practice green
and 19th hole - shoot out hole, Black Bear is the place to be if you want
to improve your game. Shaun Webb, Hank Haney certified golf instructor makes Black Bear his home. Black Bear hosts several professional tour
events annually as well as being home to select PGA and LPGA players.
Play a tournament quality championship course for $50 or less and rub
shoulders with a few LPGA or PGA pros. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearly impossible anywhere else in the Orlando area.
Black Bear Golf Course is about a 30 minute drive north of downtown Orlando. The course is set in Florida ranch country. The drive from the city is
easy and relaxing. It is more than worth the few extra minutes drive both
for the golf experience as well as the great value offered.

Florida Golf Central â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 12, Issue 1

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